I would like to go to a 180 rear tire on my 07 RK. I have looked at various kits like the KlockWerks mo' tire setup. However I have no desire to replace the stock rear fender. I doo note that the above kit fits with the stock frame rails and swingarm. My question then has anyone ever done this conversion merely by buying a new wheel, tire and properly offset belt pulleys? I mean 2-3 grand for these kits when you still have to buy the wheel, tire ans spring for paint seems to be a whole lotta money.

Thanks for your input.

 

I agree, When I saw your thread, I thought to myself you would be better of trading for an '09 than attempt this on your own. I'm not a fat tire guy myself, although I hear lots of claims about how much better the ride is. I find it hard to beleive because the Ultra is already very smooth. If it were much smoother I'd probably fall asleep.

 

good advice

 

do asearch there are quite a few guys running 160's with no mods. there not that different in size. just a thought

 

I got talked out of upping my rear tire size by a good buddy. In all actuality - unless you do a complete mod - and throw a 200 on there, it's more troulble than it's worth, not cost effective - and really makes how much difference in the long run? I may hack the rear end apart some day and go nuts - after I get another bike - but for now - I'm leaving the stock rear wheel size on my 01 RKC.

 

I am running a 160 on my Ultra with no mods

 

I was actually looking into changing my rear tire size to a 200. But the only "kit" I found was from Klockwerks. Pretty expensive!

So. . 2 questions. . .: 1. Are there other options for adapting the bike to fit a bigger rear tire? 2. What are the driveability drawbacks to having a larger back tire?

Thanks!

 

you cannot do anything bigger than a 160 without mods. the fender clearance is an issue along with drive belt contact issues. with a 150 you can run stock wheel. 160 req. a 4 " rim and a 180 to 200 will need a 5" wide rim . thats why the kits have offset wheels longer tranny shafts and smaller pulleys. imo if you go bigger than 160 but smaller than 200 you are wasting time and money. the reason the bigger wheels fit inside the frame rails is the fender is outside the frame rails and the tire well below it

 

Thanks blueflht. Is there any pro's and cons besides the big money to putting a 200 tire on the back of an ultra?

I think I would like the look, but that is hardley enough reason for me to throw thousands at the bike. Does it ride that much better? Would the bike carry more weight safely, etc.?

Thanks

 

You could do a 180 using HD parts by replicating the pulley, etc. HD used on the '07 and '08 SE RK's that came with the 180. I checked the HD parts books recently and the swing arms, and attachement pieces to the frame are the same for the SE RK and other Touring models.

I didn't check the transmission and other pieces needed--wasn't that interested, frankly, but good luck to whoever does this project, and please write-up what you did with pics.